E-mail to doctor...

[hardingnerd]

So I sent an update e-mail to my doctor... below:

Update on how I am doing...
I have started exercising more and watching my carb intake, with these adjustments I have been getting much better results.
Fasting: average 85-115... (100 under, seem to be more prevalent when I eat something small before bed... maybe it jump starts my pancreas, or something.)
2 hour after meal: 90-160... (still trying to find out what carbs work for me and what not)
Randoms: I have had at least 3 readings over 200 and several more under 70.
Recent A1C: 5.6

Trying to find carb counts is difficult but I think I could potential minimize my insulin resistance or eliminate it completely if I am able to continue my lifestyle changes.

Do you still want me to monitor? I rely on those readings to see how certain food affects my BG. If you do I have about a week and a half left worth of strips. I test approximately 50 times a week. 100 every 2 weeks.

If you have any feedback please e-mail me back.

I gave her all that and all I bloody **** get back is this:
Hi Cheyenne,
Reviewed your mail. You can check the fingerstick blood sugar once daily some times fasting and sometimes 2 hrs after meals. If the morning sugars are higher than 126, then come in for lab tests, we can check your fasting blood sugars. I ordered the test strips and lancets for you.

I think it is time for a new doctor!! I am trying to be proactive so I don't end up like my grandma dead from D complications. All she wants me to do it bloody test once a day, I am not going to fall for that bull**** they give to pre's and some type 2 who end up going in later in a worse condition that before!! Gosh I hate doctors!!

[foxl]

Well ... maybe based on your asking if SHE wanted you to keep monitoring, she might have inferred that you yourself did not wish to continue?

I would make it clearer that you think you need to monitor more consistently and frequently than that.

You are doing GREAT, BTW -- keep it up!

[hardingnerd]

Did it sound like I wanted to quit? I mean I was testing much more than just once like was told the first time.

Also...in most labs is a fasting 12 or 8 hours?

[foxl]

Did it sound like I wanted to quit? I mean I was testing much more than just once like was told the first time.

Also...in most labs is a fasting 12 or 8 hours?

I think it is usually 12 hrs.

I do think she could have thought you wanted to stop. You know how email is ... no emotion conveyed, combined with her preconceived idea of how patients are ... not that I would hold it against her.

[Delphinus]

It sounds like you are doing good.

Even tho, I am still a "rookie" diabetic, I have already learned doctors are pretty much only good for getting prescriptions from.

It's up to yourself to determine whether you sink or swim, and pretty much you alone.

Save for, of course, supportive friends and family.

Keep it up... And you always have the whacky lot at DF to motivate you when all else fails. :D

[davef]

Did it sound like I wanted to quit? I mean I was testing much more than just once like was told the first time.

Also...in most labs is a fasting 12 or 8 hours?

Cheyenne,

I had to read and re-read the line "Do you still want me to monitor?" in all honesty it came across like you wanted to stop but would keep going is the Doctor wanted you to, perhaps it might be worth clarifying for the Doc that you want to test and want her support.

I always fast for 12 hours and only drink water.

You are doing great, keep up the great work.

[genie86333]

Hi, Cheyenne,

I have to agree...phrased that way, it sounds like you're ready to stop monitoring unless she tells you she wants you to continue, so possibly she misunderstood.

Dave's advice to clarify your meaning to her is some good advice.

He's also right that it sounds like you're doing great!

[Patient254]

That's awesome that your doctor will allow you to converse via e-mail.

[Ronin]

Hi Cheyenne!

You've almost got the discussions with the MD thing down. I've changed my way of thinking and addressing medical professionals. I'm not a "patient" I'm a "client" as in I'm paying them for a professional service.

That being said, you need to communicate that you want to do more frequent testing in order to develop the coorelation between what you eat/do and your BG levels.

I don't have a clue as to your financial situation but you don't need a prescription to get meters or strips, unless they come through your insurance plan.

Despite your ups-and-downs you are doing much better with this issue and you are learning. Keep up the good work!

[hardingnerd]

Through my insurance they are free. Man I feel like an idiot cause that was totally not what I was trying to say.

[davef]

Through my insurance they are free. Man I feel like an idiot cause that was totally not what I was trying to say.

There is no reason to feel like an idiot, that's the problem with the written word - it does not always come across as you had intended. There is no harm done, simply reply to the Doctor and explain that she didn't understand what you meant and ask for the script to be updated as you want to test as before (50 strips a week). Interestingly, when I was DX'ed that's exactly the script I got my Doctor to write for me - great minds think alike :D

Good on you for being diligent and has been said it's great you can converse with your Doctor in this way. Keep up the testing and great work.

[GrammaBear]

Cheyenne,
You're quite lucky your Doctor will communicate with you via e-mail. When I call my Doctor's office, I get an automated answering machine, leave a message for the receptionist, receptionist calls me back, then takes a message from me to leave for the Doctor's nurse. The Doctor's nurse might call me back in a day or two and I've yet to speak to the Doctor directly unless I actually made an appointment.

Don't feel bad for a mis communication with your Doctor. E-mail is hard to communicate feelings.

GrammaBear

[hardingnerd]

The doctor dosen't have a choice, I have Kaiser and their site gives you the option to e-mail your doctor. Although I had to e-mail it to her twice cause she never replied to the first one.

But I guess I am very lucky.

[GrammaBear]

You are also doing a great job of managing your diabetes. I would love to have your A1C. Mine is 6.5 and I have worked hard to get it to that point. Keep up the good work.